WESTCHESTER
CHURCH OF CHRIST
deacons
The office of deacon is vital part of a local church. They relieve the spiritually focused elders and evangelist from the routine business and physical needs of the church. Though anyone may serve the church in a general sense, only qualified men may be scripturally appointed to this office. The spiritual overseers of the local church, the elders, are responsible for the final appointment of the deacons. The elders also determine the specific work of deacons, relevant to their local congregation.
Qualities of a deacon
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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A deacon must be...
a. reverent, sober
b. not double-tongued
c. not given (addicted) to much wine
d. not greedy for money
e. holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience
f. first be proven (tested)
g. blameless
h. husband of one wife
i. ruling their children and their own houses well
Qualities of a deacon's wife
1 Timothy 3:11
Their wives likewise[d] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
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A deacon's wife must be...
a. reverent
b. not slanderers
c. temperate
d. faithful in all things
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